I purchased my 2000 silver Echo for $11,300. That price included a/c, p/s, and floor mats. I opted out of the stereo package, having a Sony CD player installed that I had been given prior to purchasing my car, and the sport trim didn't strike me as a worthwhile expenditure. I wanted a 4-door with a manual transmission, which my car is, but 4-doors with a stick are rare animals, indeed. I have already advised others against going with an automatic transmission for a vehicle with such a small, high-revving engine. Lastly, I grow tired of hearing how ugly the car is. The Echo has all of the funky charm that the first water-cooled VW's possessed, before Volkswagen decided to start manufacturing hi-status masterpieces only. It also mystifies me how Edmunds, which heaped the car with praise last year, can do a complete about-face this year, completely ripping apart the same exact car (there was no model change for 2001).
I got my Echo one year ago and I love it. One regret I have is that mine has a FM/AM radio and CD player but not a cassett player. How can I add a cassett player to it? Is it the only way to change the whole part? What models are out there? Thanks for any advice.
I am posting this under my old name since I cannot remember my password and I am not on AOL under the name that Edmunds sent the password for my new name to.
I paid $13,482 [tax not included] for Major Tom. He is a four door manual with both upgrade packages and the all weather guard package.
Just got a letter from my dealer's service department. Toyota says to do maintenance on either a 5k or 7.5k interval and the first maintenance is an oil change. Know when the dealer is suggesting it be done? At 3,750 miles.
Actually, since my mileage is below average, I am going to be doing servicing based on months and not mileage.
Has anyone seen a used Echo for sale? I think too early yet and most owners will be holding on to their Echo for a long time. I know I plan to drive mine until the very last. Yet leases last two or three years so is anyone leasing an Echo that will end this year or next? I predict that Consumer Reports will someday have the Echo in the recommended used car list but it will be difficult to find one.
First, I want to point out that "Major Tom" is a 2001.
Now, I want to talk about used Echoes. I work down the street from a Daewoo dealership. Sometime last year I saw an Echo on their lot for sale. I stopped in and it could have been the Major's older "twin." It was a 2000. I do know the previous owner was an older woman, but I don't know what she traded it in own. I believe they wanted $12,950. I saw another used Echo advertised in the paper and they wanted even more for it, but it was automatic.
I have been reading some of the posts here for the last couple of weeks, regarding the pros and cons of owning the Echo. Well I think I'll throw my opinion in there...I purchased my Echo back in Aug 00 and have not regretted it one bit! I have not had so much interest in a car I have owned! Folks are coming up to me all the time asking questions about the car. A friend of mine liked mine so much, she bought one herself. Got a free dinner from the dealership for the referral!
For info, my echo, is a red, two door, manual with the "sport package" (extra trim and spoiler)....manual is the only way to go in the echo...
Did dgecho answer your question ? I told the dealer that the Echo replaced the Tercel when I ordered my cruise control. They had no trouble installing it, but I don't know whether SCS call it a Tercel or an Echo unit.
In any case, it fits well, works great and the control lever looks like a "factory" unit.
Prospective buyers need to try this automatic before deciding on manual vs. auto. I was planning to buy a manual, but my dealer didn't have a 2dr. with the options I wanted (none), so he gave me an auto at the price I offered for a manual.
After driving it for 14,000 kms. and 8 mos. I'm very happy with this transmission. It's the best auto I've ever driven for these reasons; 1) It has a lock up torque converter which means it doesn't slip on the highway and hurt gas mileage like most autos. 2) It has electronic shift logic which means it decides when to change gears using a computer to optimize efficiency and performance. I'd bet money that it shifts better than I would with a manual, and I'm pretty compulsive about stuff like that, because it is always "paying attention". In fact it's so agressive about up shifting on low idle that it takes some getting used to, and others have wondered (on this forum) if something was wrong ! 3) There are no "driveaway" issues even in the coldest weather. Older style autos usually required warming up. This one doesn't. I've left it out at -30C, then jumped in , turned the key, and away i went with no hint of a problem. 4) The performance is amazing. I don't know if i should give more credit here to the trans or the VVTi engine, but if you put your foot down it goes, anytime, anywhere! I've even pulled a utility trailer with a 1500# load (GCVW over 4000#), and it pulls hard even at 75 MPH (120+ Kph).
Oh yeah, I'm kind of fond of my little "Echopod" as you may have guessed by now.
I brought the car to the local dealer yesterday to install a set of windshield wipers and hubcaps under warranty. I hate the scrappy service from Ingram the service manager at Toyota of Garden Grove, CA. The new wipers were installed and do not make noise any more when in use. The old noisy hubcaps were replaced by new improved thicker hubcaps... and the noises were gone also. I complaint to the idiot service manager for the 2nd time that engine still knocking upon acceleration but his 2 mechanics could not find anything unusual with the engine. He recommended me to use 92 octane gas instead of the manufacture recommendation of 87 octane. Its only worth to pour 92 gas octane if you own a Mercedes. I hate to hear the bothersome knocking noise every time I accelerate. They could not find what caused the clunking noise which come from the steering column because they did not want to spend the time to listen... and I still hear it after I got the car back. I will still complaint and ask them to check the noise again the next time I bring the car in. The mileage has dropped from an average of 33 mpg ( combined highway/city driving) to a recent low of 29 mpg. Anyone out there who has problems with their Echos please bring it to the dealer before the 36,000 miles warranty expires cauz they will be expensive to replace with your hard earn $.
If the dealer is giving you such bad service it may be worth your while to go to another one. I hope you are documenting the mileage and repair issues (both resolved and not) because you will have recourse under CA's Lemon Law. Sorry to hear you are having so many problems with your Echo! As another post said, there are lemons in all makes. I am enjoying my Echo very much! I would like to know if any owners out there could tell me how much they were charged for the initial service. It's mainly just an oil change with visual inspections...
my initial service oil change+visual was $29.99 - coupon from my dealer. We wanted Mobil 1, but they wanted to charge us $49.99 so we told them to go ahead w/ whatever they use regularly and we've decided to do our own oil changes from now on. We understood about charging extra, but 20 bucks?
Has anyone bothered to order the side airbag option. One more ting when is toyota going to offer power mirrors and windows. Other makes of this class offer this and it seems to me to be a glaring mistake on toyota's part not to offer them.
The regular retail price for Mobil 1 is $4.25 - 4.50 a quart. 5 quarts X $4.50 = $22.50
In comparison, the dino oil comes to your dealership in large quantities, cause the dealer buys it in bulk, probably for $.80 a quart. 5quarts X $.80 = $4
We use it in all of our autos. Still think they could have given a little bit of a break on the cost, not to mention that I doubt they pay full retail price for the synthetic stuff.
Whoops. I messed up. Thought that kaz6 asked the question. BTW, what was the purpose of your question? They pay retail or close, unless they buy the stuff in bulk.
My Toyota dealer (Family Toyota in Runnemeade NJ) sent me a coupon for a $10 oil change, not the entire first service, just the oil change. I will still do it myself even though that is about what it would cost me to do it with a genuine Toyota oil filter. I don't trust anyone to work on my car, especially the ECHO as there aren't many of them around for mechanics to practice on.
Thanks lymann1! I have been using Mobil 1 for years...motorcycles then cars. $49 is what they charge at Jiffy Lube too. I could do it myself if I had a garage but my apt. complex doesn't allow work on autos on the premisis. The service asked for in the manual sounds like your typical lube change visit so unless I need any warranty work done I think I'll bypass the dealer. My tranny is much smoother now. I have just over 3000 miles in less than two months. The door lock buttons are begining to rattle though. I think I am going to put some velcro on the stem to keep them snug.
about the hood on the ECHOs being uneven. Well, I think I figured it out - just suddenly occured to my out of the wild blue yonder yesterday. When I had my little fender-bender in Oct we had thought the hood had been pushed slightly out of whack, but instead it was that the headlight had been shifted upward.
Well the fact that the right and left headlights have to be aimed differently and the fact the the hood is shaped over the headlights, causes the appearance of the hood being uneven.
I hadn't even thought of this since the end of that particular discussion months ago, so I don't know why it suddenly occured to me. Anyway I thought I'd share my theory with you all.
1. when comparing the Echo to the first water cooled VW's, I'd hardly call the VW rabbit funky.
2. If you had actually read either of Edmund's reviews of the car you'd see that it was reviewed as a poor choice both times. The same as umpteen other car reviews. Not that an actual owner sees these things this way but when optioning up the Echo to 14K and beyond it is hardly a value. The civic EX and focus ZX3 offer better option packages and better performance and handling and therefore better value for your money. Again I will stress that the echo is not really in the same class as these 2 cars. It is amore along the price lines of the Hyundai Accent and Kia Sephia. But people seem to disavow this fact. If Toyota had meant for the Echo to compete with this class of cars the Corolla would be out the window.
We are almost to the point of signing the papers to purchase an Echo. Can anyone tell me whether or not they have experienced problems on highways with crosswinds?
If your concern about crosswind stability is going to deter you, then I recommend you not buy one. Yes, the Echo twitches in high wind...that is wind gusts above 25mph. I drive the high desert a lot and it does get twitchy-speeds above 65mph. It is not more so than other high profile vehicles though. I think it's a shame to discount any vehicle for ONE aspect. In normal weather conditions it is very stable all the way up to 90mph. Unlike my ZX-2, the wipers also work well at those speeds due to the aerodynamically sound design of the exterior.
I believe people were referring to the VW Beetle?I owned a VW Rabbit and it was chunky, not funky. The Echo may compare to the Korean brands in price but not technology. The Corolla is smaller inside but has more bells and whistles. As far as value, that is a very subjective matter and some value technology and functionality over amenities. Then again, if we all liked the same car for the same reasons we'd all be driving the same car wouldn't we?
I did not say it was going to deter me but it was another piece of information I wanted to know! I have owned only small vehicles - VWs and Toyota and occasionally wind gusts have literally blown the vehicle sideways. Considering the weight of the Echo is approximately 2,000 lbs I just wanted to know how it handled in those situations!
Last week I ran out of gas in my Echo. Now engine light is on and it seems to br running a little rough. Has anyone else had this happen? We are seeing the dealer tomorrow but I'd love some ideas before going in.
P.S. I love this car. My husband is 6'5" and can ride comfortably everywhere, even in the back seat. We live in San Francisco and can park it anywhere. It is zippy and very fun to drive. We tried to fit into a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Saturn, and VW Golf and Bug, and the Mazda Protoge and found them cramped and in some cases undrivable for my husband.
The Echo seems to be just like any other little cars we have owned (corolla, tercel). You can feel wind and the turbulence from a semi, about as you would expect from any small car. No better, no worse. It is no way as bad in wind as the mini van.
I find no difference between the echo and my previous mode of transportation a honda civic...i do 95% city driving so i never feel wind gusts but when i take it on the highway it is noticeable but nothing different than the civic felt.
I don't think is ECHO is too bad in a crosswind...its not that big a deal. Riding my motorcycle last winter on the NJTPK with 30-40 mph cross winds WAS a big deal. Ever pass a semi with the wind on your left...then get the feeling just as you clear the bumper of the truck that some kind of vacuum effect is going to pull you right in front of it?
Not that this matters a whit in an echo forum, I'd like to get one thing clear to people about Vw's. The first generation of Beetles were air-cooled as were the Karmann Ghia, Bus, Type 3, Thing and Squareback. The first watercooled Beetle was the one introduced in 1998 and YES that car was funky looking. An interesting side note: the old style Beetle is still being built in Mexico to this day.
My dealer gave me a coupon for a free 1st service. I think he was trying to establish a "behavior pattern" because he's out of town and there are 4 "in town" dealers, all of which are closer.
Just on general principles I thought I should complain about something while the car is still on warrantee, so I complained that the gas mileage was only 51 MPG (Imperial gallon) and not the 55 MPG the salesman talked about. The service rep got a good laugh out of that!
At this point, another customer who drove a Sienna van got involved and started complaining that he only got 25 MPG, so the service rep. tried to sell him an Echo.
I still enjoy filling the tank on this baby 8 months after buying it. Today I filled it and the (city only) mileage was 8 liters/100KM (35 MPG) even though the temperature has been between -10C and -20C.
For new readers' benefit. The only gouy who seems to have trouble with his Echo on this forum reports that his is an "aggressive driving habit". He also complained about the same problems he reported on this week months ago, but only recently took the car to the dealer. His Echo is not necessarily a lemon.
I bought an air cooled 1959 WV Beetle in 1966 and I thought that it looked Funky. That's one of the reasons I bought it. A lot of people back then said that they could never drive a car that was so "funny looking". Several people have said the same thing to me about my Echo.
I just feel sorry for people who's self image is tied to the appearance of their car. It's not that I don't like the way my Echo looks. I really do, but appearance is way down the list for me when it comes to my priorities for a vehicle.
Another motorcyclist! I used to ride everywhere when living on Staten Island...wind gusts on the Verazanno(sp?)Bridge was spine tingling! Funny, my Echo feels very similar passing semi's in the desert with strong crosswinds. I guess I need to make myself clear as to the "crosswinds" I experienced: 40mph gusts! Gusts are much harder to navigate smoothly than constant winds. All of this is moot under 70mph anyway. Downsbem: didn't mean to get you mad!
I believe that you are correct in saying that the vast majority choose their cars based on the car's image. I feel sorry for the vast majority of people who do this. I understand their motivation. I too once valued other's opinions of me more than my own.
Thank you for the link to the auto-ascii site. I see that the Suzuki Aerio looks a lot like the Echo, Prius and Insight. I expect that it also has a coefficient of drag in the same class.
I'll make a rash prediction that within 2 years most people will see this "nose down" styling as "normal".
Heading out tomorrow morning to JAX FL. This will put our little ECHO over 26,000 miles by the time we get back. We haven't had this car 6 months yet, but what fun we're having driving it. No problems at all. Reasonably comfortable hour after hour and great gas mileage. I still think I'll be the first new ECHO owner to hit 100K miles. What mileage do you guys have? And, has anyone considered a ECHO get together? VW Diesel guys did it at Wilmington NC, Saturn did it in TN, Jeep does it in the mountains somewhere each year. We could show up in mass somewhere. It would be a blast (to use an old phrase) to have hundreds of ECHOs at one place. You're right, I've got too much time on my hands. See you when we get back.
I have been reading this board and giggling since i first started thinking about buying an Echo in November 2000. I Bought a 2 door red echo pod on January 1, 2001. I am having alot of fun driving this car! I can't believe what a car freak i am turning into. I originally wanted the Prius, but it was a bit pricey and the wait was unbearable so.....the Echo won out. I am happy with the zippy performance, MPG, and whimsical yet dependable feel of the car. I am from the anti-SUV school of thought when it comes to cars. I concur with the european thinking on vehicles, small and manuverable and efficient is the way to go.
Gee -- what you posted sounds just like my motivation for buying the Echo. I too started out interested in the Prius and hate SUV's and what they stand for in terms of miserable fuel economy and impact on the environment. I agree with everything you said . . . except that my echo (named Gecko) is silver. Love this car!!!
Funny how things happen...I was looking at the Prius as well when they were asking for volunteers to live with one and evaluate. The cost of it and the limited power stopped me from getting one. The Echo looks like the Prius viewed in a convex mirror! Still thinking of upgrading wheels and tires...anyone have 15" on theirs? I saw one in LA and it looked very nice-black with 10-spoke rims. 3200 miles in a month and a half...love it!
I was considering an Echo with automatic transmission, but I took a test drive with an auto and went up a hill. Just felt really cumbersome.
I stopped off at the grocery store tonight and when I came back, I thought my hood looked a little uneven. I ran a finger between the hood and the light on both sides. I could get more of my finger under the left side than the right. This really worried me so thank you for the explanation to the difference between the sides.
The Primera styling is definitely avant garde. It strikes me now the way the Echo did when I first saw it. (Kind of funny looking) That just goes to show how subjective appearance is.
Did you notice the big header dump tubes on it? It must be a pretty high performance engine to have that kind of "extractor" type of exhaust system. It reminds me a lot of a 2 cycle motorcycle "tuned pipe".
I'd like to see some specs and a price tag before I comment further. My primary view of a vehicle is that it must be: 1) very reliable 2) safe 3) be competitive in terms of life cycle cost with the best (Echopod for limited mileage or Prius for high mileage use) 4) Sufficient performance and comfort not to compromise safety.
The Echo's reluctance to downshift on mild inclines bothered me at first as well until I realized that this was part of the fuel efficiency "program" that's built into the electronic control. Now I enjoy it. What a difference perspective makes !
I am given to understand that "pumping losses" in internal combustion engines make higher RPM & low throttle inherently less efficient than lower RPM & higher throttle operation for a given power output. So even though this situation makes the vehicle seem "sluggish" it's actually putting money in my pocket as it chugs along !
I also found that at gentle acceleration, the Echo auto shifts up very aggressively (IE quickly). Much quicker than I normally do with a standard transmission. I was taught not to "lug" an engine,I.E. to let it rev up a bit before shifting, but my fantastic gas mileage tells me that my Echopod is quite happy just putting along !
Well I may be way behind in the mileage dept, but I thought I had the record for most weight carried with my 4000# GCVW rig, but I can see now that we're not in the same class at all for Payload/Vehicle weight ratios. This guy proves that if you want to haul lumber, you need to go for some good old German Engineering....
Guest what? When I park my car this morning at the office's parking lot, I looked at the odormeter, it is showing 1000!!!!!!!!!! What's that mean? My break-in period has overed, it's overed!!!!! I picked up my 2001 4Dr Red Echo on 11/27/2000. It took me more than 2 months to get over the break-in. I do wish this is the 1000th post, oh well, 1001st is not bad.
The gas millage has improved a lot, I'm sure many of you remember I complaint about it last time. I followed the advices, don't wait until the blue light goes off, drive way after start the car for 2 minutes. The last time I clocked it was that I have 33.2 mpg for 80% on highway. I know many of you think this is low, but if you remember I posted about the way I use the Echo for commute, this is not bad!
Ok, I better post this message before someone slip in before me, I still want to be the 1001st post.
Comments
I paid $13,482 [tax not included] for Major Tom. He is a four door manual with both upgrade packages and the all weather guard package.
Just got a letter from my dealer's service department. Toyota says to do maintenance on either a 5k or 7.5k interval and the first maintenance is an oil change. Know when the dealer is suggesting it be done? At 3,750 miles.
Actually, since my mileage is below average, I am going to be doing servicing based on months and not mileage.
I think too early yet and most owners will
be holding on to their Echo for a long time.
I know I plan to drive mine until the very last.
Yet leases last two or three years so is anyone
leasing an Echo that will end this year or next? I
predict that Consumer Reports will someday
have the Echo in the recommended used car
list but it will be difficult to find one.
Now, I want to talk about used Echoes. I work down the street from a Daewoo dealership. Sometime last year I saw an Echo on their lot for sale. I stopped in and it could have been the Major's older "twin." It was a 2000. I do know the previous owner was an older woman, but I don't know what she traded it in own. I believe they wanted $12,950. I saw another used Echo advertised in the paper and they wanted even more for it, but it was automatic.
I am off to work so have a nice day.
For info, my echo, is a red, two door, manual with the "sport package" (extra trim and spoiler)....manual is the only way to go in the echo...
In any case, it fits well, works great and the control lever looks like a "factory" unit.
After driving it for 14,000 kms. and 8 mos. I'm very happy with this transmission. It's the best auto I've ever driven for these reasons;
1) It has a lock up torque converter which means it doesn't slip on the highway and hurt gas mileage like most autos.
2) It has electronic shift logic which means it decides when to change gears using a computer to optimize efficiency and performance. I'd bet money that it shifts better than I would with a manual, and I'm pretty compulsive about stuff like that, because it is always "paying attention". In fact it's so agressive about up shifting on low idle that it takes some getting used to, and others have wondered (on this forum) if something was wrong !
3) There are no "driveaway" issues even in the coldest weather. Older style autos usually required warming up. This one doesn't. I've left it out at -30C, then jumped in , turned the key, and away i went with no hint of a problem.
4) The performance is amazing. I don't know if i should give more credit here to the trans or the VVTi engine, but if you put your foot down it goes, anytime, anywhere! I've even pulled a utility trailer with a 1500# load (GCVW over 4000#), and it pulls hard even at 75 MPH (120+ Kph).
Oh yeah, I'm kind of fond of my little "Echopod" as you may have guessed by now.
The new wipers were installed and do not make noise any more when in use. The old noisy hubcaps were replaced by new improved thicker hubcaps... and the noises were gone also.
I complaint to the idiot service manager for the 2nd time that engine still knocking upon acceleration but his 2 mechanics could not find anything unusual with the engine. He recommended me to use 92 octane gas instead of the manufacture recommendation of 87 octane. Its only worth to pour 92 gas octane if you own a Mercedes. I hate to hear the bothersome knocking noise every time I accelerate.
They could not find what caused the clunking noise which come from the steering column because they did not want to spend the time to listen... and I still hear it after I got the car back. I will still complaint and ask them to check the noise again the next time I bring the car in.
The mileage has dropped from an average of 33 mpg ( combined highway/city driving) to a recent low of 29 mpg.
Anyone out there who has problems with their Echos please bring it to the dealer before the 36,000 miles warranty expires cauz they will be expensive to replace with your hard earn $.
Sorry to hear you are having so many problems with your Echo! As another post said, there are lemons in all makes.
I am enjoying my Echo very much! I would like to know if any owners out there could tell me how much they were charged for the initial service. It's mainly just an oil change with visual inspections...
5 quarts X $4.50 = $22.50
In comparison, the dino oil comes to your dealership in large quantities, cause the dealer buys it in bulk, probably for $.80 a quart. 5quarts X $.80 = $4
I messed up. Thought that kaz6 asked the question.
BTW, what was the purpose of your question?
They pay retail or close, unless they buy the stuff in bulk.
The service asked for in the manual sounds like your typical lube change visit so unless I need any warranty work done I think I'll bypass the dealer.
My tranny is much smoother now. I have just over 3000 miles in less than two months.
The door lock buttons are begining to rattle though. I think I am going to put some velcro on the stem to keep them snug.
Well the fact that the right and left headlights have to be aimed differently and the fact the the hood is shaped over the headlights, causes the appearance of the hood being uneven.
I hadn't even thought of this since the end of that particular discussion months ago, so I don't know why it suddenly occured to me. Anyway I thought I'd share my theory with you all.
1. when comparing the Echo to the first water cooled VW's, I'd hardly call the VW rabbit funky.
2. If you had actually read either of Edmund's reviews of the car you'd see that it was reviewed as a poor choice both times. The same as umpteen other car reviews. Not that an actual owner sees these things this way but when optioning up the Echo to 14K and beyond it is hardly a value. The civic EX and focus ZX3 offer better option packages and better performance and handling and therefore better value for your money. Again I will stress that the echo is not really in the same class as these 2 cars. It is amore along the price lines of the Hyundai Accent and Kia Sephia. But people seem to disavow this fact. If Toyota had meant for the Echo to compete with this class of cars the Corolla would be out the window.
Thanks,
Linda
Yes, the Echo twitches in high wind...that is wind gusts above 25mph. I drive the high desert a lot and it does get twitchy-speeds above 65mph.
It is not more so than other high profile vehicles though.
I think it's a shame to discount any vehicle for ONE aspect.
In normal weather conditions it is very stable all the way up to 90mph. Unlike my ZX-2, the wipers also work well at those speeds due to the aerodynamically sound design of the exterior.
The Echo may compare to the Korean brands in price but not technology. The Corolla is smaller inside but has more bells and whistles.
As far as value, that is a very subjective matter and some value technology and functionality over amenities.
Then again, if we all liked the same car for the same reasons we'd all be driving the same car wouldn't we?
Linda
P.S. I love this car. My husband is 6'5" and can ride comfortably everywhere, even in the back seat. We live in San Francisco and can park it anywhere. It is zippy and very fun to drive.
We tried to fit into a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Saturn, and VW Golf and Bug, and the Mazda Protoge and found them cramped and in some cases undrivable for my husband.
The Echo seems to be just like any other little cars we have owned (corolla, tercel). You can feel wind and the turbulence from a semi, about as you would expect from any small car. No better, no worse. It is no way as bad in wind as the mini van.
Just on general principles I thought I should complain about something while the car is still on warrantee, so I complained that the gas mileage was only 51 MPG (Imperial gallon) and not the 55 MPG the salesman talked about. The service rep got a good laugh out of that!
At this point, another customer who drove a Sienna van got involved and started complaining that he only got 25 MPG, so the service rep. tried to sell him an Echo.
I still enjoy filling the tank on this baby 8 months after buying it. Today I filled it and the (city only) mileage was 8 liters/100KM (35 MPG) even though the temperature has been between -10C and -20C.
For new readers' benefit. The only gouy who seems to have trouble with his Echo on this forum reports that his is an "aggressive driving habit". He also complained about the same problems he reported on this week months ago, but only recently took the car to the dealer. His Echo is not necessarily a lemon.
I just feel sorry for people who's self image is tied to the appearance of their car. It's not that I don't like the way my Echo looks. I really do, but appearance is way down the list for me when it comes to my priorities for a vehicle.
I guess I need to make myself clear as to the "crosswinds" I experienced: 40mph gusts! Gusts are much harder to navigate smoothly than constant winds. All of this is moot under 70mph anyway.
Downsbem: didn't mean to get you mad!
I completely disagree.
A lot of people, I would say the vast majority, choose their cars strictly basing on the car's image.
With the new manufacturing techniques the auto companies will be able to produce both - good-looking and highly functional cars.
The Japanese are the masters of the small car packaging.
Others (mostly Europeans) are quickly catching up.
http://auto.ascii24.com/auto24/e/
Thank you for the link to the auto-ascii site. I see that the Suzuki Aerio looks a lot like the Echo, Prius and Insight. I expect that it also has a coefficient of drag in the same class.
I'll make a rash prediction that within 2 years most people will see this "nose down" styling as "normal".
Still thinking of upgrading wheels and tires...anyone have 15" on theirs? I saw one in LA and it looked very nice-black with 10-spoke rims.
3200 miles in a month and a half...love it!
I stopped off at the grocery store tonight and when I came back, I thought my hood looked a little uneven. I ran a finger between the hood and the light on both sides. I could get more of my finger under the left side than the right. This really worried me so thank you for the explanation to the difference between the sides.
Time for bed.
Did you notice the big header dump tubes on it? It must be a pretty high performance engine to have that kind of "extractor" type of exhaust system. It reminds me a lot of a 2 cycle motorcycle "tuned pipe".
I'd like to see some specs and a price tag before I comment further.
My primary view of a vehicle is that it must be:
1) very reliable
2) safe
3) be competitive in terms of life cycle cost with the best (Echopod for limited mileage or Prius for high mileage use)
4) Sufficient performance and comfort not to compromise safety.
I am given to understand that "pumping losses" in internal combustion engines make higher RPM & low throttle inherently less efficient than lower RPM & higher throttle operation for a given power output. So even though this situation makes the vehicle seem "sluggish" it's actually putting money in my pocket as it chugs along !
I also found that at gentle acceleration, the Echo auto shifts up very aggressively (IE quickly). Much quicker than I normally do with a standard transmission. I was taught not to "lug" an engine,I.E. to let it rev up a bit before shifting, but my fantastic gas mileage tells me that my Echopod is quite happy just putting along !
http://www.knousecomputer.com/amazing. html
I noticed a slight dip in mpgs this last time, but there were several mornings where I let the car warm up longer than normal.
Remember, start, adjust, go!
The gas millage has improved a lot, I'm sure many of you remember I complaint about it last time. I followed the advices, don't wait until the blue light goes off, drive way after start the car for 2 minutes. The last time I clocked it was that I have 33.2 mpg for 80% on highway. I know many of you think this is low, but if you remember I posted about the way I use the Echo for commute, this is not bad!
Ok, I better post this message before someone slip in before me, I still want to be the 1001st post.